Vapor proof junction box in combination with electrical float switch adjustable for height

ABSTRACT

A float switch in combination with an electrical junction connection for a top opening in a fluid storage tank. The switch body is disposed in a tank top opening and extends only slightly above the top of the tank. A flat switch cover is secured to the top of the switch body in sealing relation therewith, such cover being of a flat disc type configuration in vertical section so that the body and cover extend only a very slight distance above the top of the tank. The cover forms a chamber between such cover and the body. The body forms an elongated downwardly extending stem extending into the tank, such stem having a vertical longitudinal bore in communication with the chamber. At least one electrical junction connection is disposed on the side of the switch body in communication with the chamber. A float switch is detachably secured to the bottom of the stem, such switch having wires leading therefrom, thence up the bore, thence through the chamber, with at least one of such wires extending out through the junction connection. The stem is formed of cuttable material so that the stem may be cut to adjust the height of the float switch in the tank. Also, the junction connection may be disposed interiorly of the tank.

United States Patent [191 De Frees [76] Inventor: Joseph H. De Frees, 414 Liberty St., Warren, Pa. 16365 [22] Filed: Oct. 1, 1973 [21] App]. No.: 401,998

[52] U.S. Cl. 200/84 R, 200/84 C [51] Int. Cl. H01h 35/40 [58] Field of Search 200/84 R, 84 C, 84 B; 73/308, 313, 319, 320, 322.5; 340/244 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,244,962 10/1917 Derby 340/244 A 2,006,608 7/1935 Smulski 200/84 R 3,359,789 12/1967 Katselis 73/308 3,633,193 l/1972 Milo r 200/84 C 3,673,587 6/1972 Baruch 340/244 A A float switch in combination with an electrical junc- Mar. 11, 1975 ABSTRACT tion connection for a top opening in a fluid storage tank. The switch body is disposed in a tank top opening and extends only slightly above the top of the tank. A flat switch cover is secured to the top of the switch body in sealing relation therewith, such cover being of a flat disc type configuration in vertical section so that the body and cover extend only a very slight distance above the top of the tank. The cover forms a chamber between such cover and the body. The body forms an 7 elongated downwardly extending stem extending into the tank, such stem having a vertical longitudinal bore in communication with the chamber. At least one electrical junction connection is disposed on the side of the switch body in communication with the chamber. A float switch is detachablysecured to the bottom of the stem/such switch having wires leading therefrom, thence up the bore, thence through the chamber, with at least one of such wires extending out through the junction connection. The stem is formed of cuttable material so that the stem may be cut to adjust the height of the float switch in the tank. Also, the

junction connection may be disposed interiorly of the tank.

1 Claim, 1 Drawing Figure a F A 1 VAPOR PROOF JUNCTION lBOX IN COMBINATION WITH ELECTRICAL FLOAT SWITCH ADJUSTABLE FOR HEIGHT This invention relates to an electrical junction connection and more particularly to a vapor-proof junction box connection in combination with an electrical float switch for fluid storage tanks.

There has long been a need for an efficient and highly effective electrical junction box connection for fluid storage tanks in combination with a float switch. In junction connections used in tanks containing flammable liquids, the demands are particularly stringent. It is imperative that the connection have a low profile and extend only a very slight distance above the top of the tank so as to not form a hazardous obstruction, that is easily damaged. Means must be provided for adjusting the height of the float switch within the tank without changing the exterior silhouette. The electrical wiring must be substantially concealed and kept as short as possible.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a fluid storage tank float switch having a low profile and which extends only a very slight distance above the top of the tank.

A further object of the invention is to provide a float switch of the above type having means for adjusting the height of the float switch within the tank.

A further object of the invention is to provide a float switch of the above type wherein the electrical wiring is concealed and kept as short as possible.

Briefly, the foregoing objects are accomplished by the provision of a float switch for a top opening in a fluid storage tank including a switch body disposed in the top opening and extending only slightly above the top of the tank to provide a low profile so as not to form a hazardous obstruction. A flat switch cover is secured to the top of the body in sealing relation therewith, such cover being of a flat disc type configuration in vertical section so that the body with the cover thereon extends only a very slight distance above the top of the tank, thus providing a low silhouette. The cover forms a chamber between the cover and the body. The body I has an elongated downwardly extending stem extending into the tank, such stem having a vertical longitudinal bore in communication with the chamber. At least one electrical junction connnection is disposed on the side of the body and is in communication with the chamber. A float switch is detachably secured to the bottom of the stem, such switch having wires leading therefrom thence up the bore, thence through the chamber, with at least one wire extending out through the junction connection. The junction connection may be disposed on the body interiorly of the tank just below the tank top wall if desired. The stem may be formed of cuttable material enabling such stem to be cut to adjust the height of the float switch in the tank.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a tank float switch constructed in accordance with the invention.

The terms and expressions which have been used are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of any of the features shown or described, or any portion thereof, and

,switch A, constructed in accordance with the invention, for a top opening 10 in a fluid storage tank 12 including a switch body 14 disposed in the top opening 10 and extending only slightly above and below the top of the tank 12 to provide a low profile so as not to form a hazardous upwardly protruding obstruction. A flat switch cover 16 is secured to the top of the body 14 by bolts 18 in sealing relation, such cover being of a flat disc type configuration in vertical section of low height so that the body 14 with the cover 16 thereon extends only a very slight distance above the top of the tank, thus providing a low silhouette. The cover 16 forms a shallow chamber 20 between the cover and the body 14. The body 14 has an elongated downwardly extending stem 22 extending into the tank 12, such stem 22 having a vertical threaded longitudinal bore 24 in communication with the chamber 20. At least one electrical junction connection 26 is disposed on the side of the body 14 and below its top and is in communication with the chamber 20. A float switch 30 is detachably secured to the bottom of the stem 22 by threading into the bore, such switch having wires 32, 34 internally thereof leading therefrom thence up the bore 24, thence through the chamber 20, with at least one wire 32 extending out through the junction connection 26.

In a modification, a junction connection 36 may be disposed on the body 14 interiorly of the tank 12 just below the tank top wall 12 if desired. The stem 22 may be formed of cuttable material, thereby enabling such stem to be cut to adjust the height of the float switch 30 in the tank 12.

Thus, there is provided a vapor proofjunction box in combination with an electrical float switch that is adjustable for height. The float switch 30 is utilized for controlling a solenoid valve which, in turn, governs the liquid level of the tank 12. The low profile construction of the body 14 along with its cover 16 eliminates a hazardous obstruction protruding above the top of the tank which in prior constructions was easily damaged. The adjustment for height of the float switch 30 is simple and does not change the silhouette. Also, the coacting junction box construction simplifies installation and eliminates long runs of wiring.

What is claimed is:

1. A float switch for a top opening in a fluid storage tank consisting of a switch body disposed in said opening-and extending only slightly above and below the top of the tank; a planar switch cover secured to the top of the body in sealing relation therewith, said cover being of a flat disk type configuration in vertical section of low height so that the body and cover extend only a very slight distance above the top of the tank; said cover forming a shallow chamber between such cover and the body; said body having an elongated downwardly extending stem extending into the tank; said stem having a vertical threaded longitudinal bore in communication with said chamber; at least one electrical junction connection disposed on the side of the body and in communication with the chamber and below the top of said body; a float switch detachably secured to the bottom of the stem by threads connected in said bore; said switch having wires internally thereof leading therefrom thence up the bore, thence through the chamber and at least one wire extending out through the junction connection; and said stem being formed of cuttable material so that it may be cut to adjust the height of said float switch in said tank. 

1. A float switch for a top opening in a fluid storage tank consisting of a switch body disposed in said opening and extending only slightly above and below the top of the tank; a planar switch cover secured to the top of the body in sealing relation therewith, said cover being of a flat disk type configuration in vertical section of low height so that the body and cover extend only a vEry slight distance above the top of the tank; said cover forming a shallow chamber between such cover and the body; said body having an elongated downwardly extending stem extending into the tank; said stem having a vertical threaded longitudinal bore in communication with said chamber; at least one electrical junction connection disposed on the side of the body and in communication with the chamber and below the top of said body; a float switch detachably secured to the bottom of the stem by threads connected in said bore; said switch having wires internally thereof leading therefrom thence up the bore, thence through the chamber and at least one wire extending out through the junction connection; and said stem being formed of cuttable material so that it may be cut to adjust the height of said float switch in said tank. 